All statistics for Ulcer
Prevalence/Incidence of Ulcer: Online Medical Books
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for more information about the prevalence and/or incidence of Ulcer.
Peptic ulcers:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Researchers recognize three major causes of peptic ulcer disease: infection with Helicobacter pylori (formerly known as Campylobacter pylori), use of NSAIDs, and pathologic hypersecretory disorders such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. (See How peptic ulcers develop.)
How H. pylori produces an ulcer isn’t clear. Gastric acid, which was considered a primary cause, now appears mainly to contribute to the consequences of infection. Ongoing studies should soon unveil the full mechanism of ulcer formation.
Salicylates and other NSAIDs encourage ulcer formation by inhibiting the secretion of prostaglandins (the substances that suppress ulceration). Certain illnesses, such as pancreatitis, hepatic disease, Crohn’s disease, preexisting gastritis, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, are also known causes.
Besides peptic ulcer’s main causes, several predisposing factors are acknowledged. They include blood type (gastric ulcers tend to strike people with type A blood; duodenal ulcers tend to afflict people with type O blood) and other genetic factors. Exposure to irritants, such as alcohol, coffee, and tobacco, may contribute by accelerating gastric acid emptying and promoting mucosal breakdown. Ulceration occurs when the acid secretion exceeds the buffering factors. Physical trauma, emotional stress, and normal aging are additional predisposing conditions.
In the United States, about 1.6 million people acquire peptic ulcers yearly. Males and females are affected equally, and incidence increases with age. A higher percentage of H. pylori infection occurs in people older than age 50.
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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Pressure ulcers:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Most pressure ulcers are caused by pressure, particularly over bony prominences, that interrupts normal circulatory function, leading to ischemia of the underlying structures of skin, fat, and muscles. (See Pressure points: Common sites of pressure ulcers.) The intensity and duration of such pressure govern the severity of the ulcer; pressure exerted over an area for a moderate period (1 to 2 hours) produces tissue ischemia and increased capillary pressure, leading to edema and multiple small-vessel thromboses. An inflammatory reaction gives way to ulceration and necrosis of ischemic cells. In turn, necrotic tissue predisposes to bacterial invasion and subsequent infection.
The patient’s position determines the pressure exerted on the tissues. For example, if the head of the bed is elevated, or the patient assumes a slumped position, gravity pulls his weight downward and forward. This shearing force causes deep ulcers due to ischemic changes in the muscles and subcutaneous tissues, and occurs most often over the sacrum and ischial tuberosities.
Predisposing conditions for pressure ulcers include altered mobility, inadequate nutrition (leading to weight loss, subsequent reduction of subcutaneous tissue and muscle bulk and, possibly, a poorly functioning immune system), and a breakdown in skin or subcutaneous tissue (as a result of edema, incontinence, fever, pathologic conditions, or obesity).
Pressure ulcers occur in 10% to 17% of all hospitalized patients and 20% to 40% of all nursing home patients. Patients living at home aren’t free from risk, either: 20% of all pressure ulcers occur in the home. In the United States, there are approximately 2 million new cases of pressure ulcers diagnosed every year.
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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Ulcerative colitis:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Although the etiology of ulcerative colitis is unknown, it’s thought to be related to abnormal immune response in the GI tract, possibly associated with food or bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Stress was once thought to be a cause of ulcerative colitis, but studies show that although it isn’t a cause, it does increase the severity of the attack.
Ulcerative colitis occurs primarily in young adults, especially in women. It’s also more prevalent among those of Jewish ancestry, indicating a possible familial tendency. The incidence of the disease is unknown; however, some studies indicate as many as 10 to 15 out of 100,000 persons have the disease. Onset of symptoms seems to peak between ages 15 and 30; another peak occurs between ages 50 and 70.
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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
About prevalence and incidence statistics:
The term 'prevalence' of Ulcer usually refers to the estimated population
of people who are managing Ulcer at any given time.
The term 'incidence' of Ulcer refers to the annual diagnosis rate,
or the number of new cases of Ulcer diagnosed each year.
Hence, these two statistics types can differ:
a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence,
but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence.
For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.
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